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Alright, Punks - Your Turn

An Afternoon Comment Diversion / TK

Comment Diversions | January 14, 2009 | Comments (121)

I know Dustin promised that last week would see the end of the 2008 lists, but I like to make a liar out of him. So as many of you know, we ran a series on some of our favorite musical releases of 2008, which was met with joy, rage, revulsion, love, snark, and apathy.

Pretty much what I expected.

Well, now it’s your turn, smartasses. What were YOUR favorite albums of 2008? The rules are simple: Must be a release from 2008. Re-issues aren’t allowed. You don’t have to rank them. List your top five. Here are mine (in no particular order), in case you’re curious:

1) Warship: Supply and Depend

2) Atmosphere: When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold

3) The Gaslight Anthem: The ‘59 Sound

4) Murder By Death: Red of Tooth and Claw

5) Dr. Horribles Sing-Along Blog: Original Soundtrack

Honorable mentions: Ratatat — LP3, Drive-By Truckers — Brighter Than Creation’s Dark, Old Crow Medicine Show — Tennessee Pusher, Thrice — The Alchemy Index Volumes III & IV, Fucked Up — The Chemistry of Common Life.

After a few days, we’ll compile the lists and let you know what the top picks were. Happy listening, jerks.









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Comments

Portishead, Third

Posted by: boo at January 14, 2009 2:06 PM

Not a single one of my favorite albums of 2008 was released in '08; they all came out at the end of '07.

sad face.

Posted by: lizzieborden at January 14, 2009 2:08 PM

I gotta say I didn't listen to lots of music last year, but I did enjoy Viva la Vida or Death And All His Friends. It had some pretty decent tracks. Me? Oh, I just have a nice rack.

Posted by: Sofía at January 14, 2009 2:09 PM

What? They still make albums? That's so 20th century. How cute.

Posted by: BWeaves at January 14, 2009 2:13 PM

Lisa Hannigan - Sea Sew

Dillinger Four - Civil War

Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend

Flogging Molly - Float

Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold

Pussycat Dolls - Doll Domination

Posted by: Snath at January 14, 2009 2:13 PM

1. Ben Folds -- Way to Normal
2. OCMS -- Tennesee Pusher
3. Okkervill River - The Stand Ins
4. They Might Be Giants -- Here Come the 123s (shaddup -- you'll appreciate it when you're a parent)
5. Bon Iver -- For Emma, With Love

Posted by: Dustin Rowles at January 14, 2009 2:14 PM

Wait how did that last one get on there?

Posted by: Snath at January 14, 2009 2:14 PM

People still buy albums? I always tell myself that I'll start buying whole cds instead of just skimming off a few that I like but then I realize the very small amount of money I can hustle is dedicated to alcohol and ... well actually just alcohol until I decide to use that poo-senders dot com to smite my enemies.

Posted by: Optimus Rhyme at January 14, 2009 2:14 PM

16 Kanye West-808s and Heartbreaks
15 The Garlands-S/t EP
14 Kristoff Krane-This Will Work for Now
13 Titus Andronicus-The Airing of Grievances
12 Fuck Buttons-Horrsing
11 Frightened Rabbit-The Midnight Organ Fight
10 HEALTH-DISCO
09 Vampire Weekend-S/t
08 The Mountain Goats-Satanic Messiah EP
07 Girl Talk-Feed the Animals
06 Fleet Foxes-S/t
05 Coldplay-Viva la Vida or Death and All his Friends
04 Elbow-The Seldom Seen Kid
03 Santogold-S/t
02 Portishead-Third
01 Bon Iver-For Emma, Forever Ago

Posted by: Eleanor at January 14, 2009 2:16 PM

Does it count if I *bought* it in 2008? 'Cause that's when I purchased NIN's With Teeth. It's been on repeat in my car for like 6 months. I also picked up Flavors of Entanglement, but I can't really say it's my favorite. I haven't really listened to it that hard yet, but it didn't inspire me to the several times I've played it at work, which was disappointing. Maybe once I listen to it uninterrupted and quiet, I'll like it more.

I don't really listen to new music...

P.S. I do love Dr. Horrible too! That totally counts!

Posted by: Anna von Beaverplatz at January 14, 2009 2:17 PM

The Waking Eyes, Holding On To Whatever It Is
People In Planes, Beyond the Horizon
Panic At The Disco, Pretty. Odd.
Ludo, You're Awful, I Love You
Sunny Day Sets Fire, Summer Palace

Honorable mention: Baumer: Were It Not For You, Great Big Sea: Fortune's Favour, House of Heroes: The End is Not the End, Flogging Molly: Float, Mates of State: The Re-Arranger, and Dr. Horrible.

Posted by: Sean at January 14, 2009 2:23 PM

Seeing Sounds by N.E.R.D is pretty badass.

But the album as a commercial entity is dead. The only reason to buy music in that form anymore is nostalgia or emotional attachments. The next evolution of the music industry will be away from the album entirely and towards a system dependent on single releases that you can purchase individually or in whatever grouping you see fit. Yeah, death of artistry, killing the soul of the music, I get it. Oh well.

Posted by: Genny (also Rusty) at January 14, 2009 2:23 PM

Yeah, all my music tastes pre-dated 1998.

I fell in love with Screaming for Vengeance and Piece of Mind this past year. Don't think that counts though.

Posted by: Jim at January 14, 2009 2:26 PM

Hey Dustin-

Did you get the deluxe edition of Here Come the 123's with all of the music videos? Just awesome. You can find them on Youtube or TMBG's website if you didn't... I don't even have kids. Sad... I mean, awesome that I don't have kids - Sad that I know that.

Posted by: ernesto at January 14, 2009 2:27 PM

Who Killed Amanda Palmer
Dr. Horrible's Singalong Blog

granted, those were the only new releases I even listened to this year, but they're both awesome.

Posted by: s. pisaster at January 14, 2009 2:28 PM

1. Made of Bricks by Kate Nash
2. Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack
3. Circus by Britney Spears, STOP LAUGHING, IT'S GREAT FOR CARDIO
4. Hummingbird, Go! by Theresa Andersson
5. Doctor Horrible's Sing Along Blog soundtrack.

Posted by: Claire at January 14, 2009 2:28 PM

People still buy albums?

Uh-oh, we're going to have the argument from "Opening Tracks in a CD Collection" all over again.

Posted by: stipe42 at January 14, 2009 2:29 PM

I didn't buy much new stuff in 2008, but really enjoyed what I did get. I'll third the Dr. Horrible Soundtrack and add:

R.E.M.- Accelerate
Sloan - Parallel Play
Ron Sexsmith - Exit Strategy of the Soul

Posted by: meaux at January 14, 2009 2:29 PM

I think I only heard two albums that came out all year, but I like them both.
Bon Iver: For Emma, Forever Ago
Portishead: 3rd

Posted by: The Ross Sea Party at January 14, 2009 2:30 PM

stipe42-

Rabble! Rabble! Rabble!

Posted by: ernesto at January 14, 2009 2:30 PM

MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

Posted by: BotS at January 14, 2009 2:30 PM

stipe42-

Rabble! Rabble! Rabble!

Posted by: ernesto at January 14, 2009 2:31 PM

Sad... I mean, awesome that I don't have kids - Sad that I know that.

It's sad that you know you don't have kids? Is it better if you don't know for sure that there aren't a dozen illegitimate fatherless half-ernestos wandering around crying "are you my real daddy?" to every stranger on the street?

Posted by: stipe42 at January 14, 2009 2:31 PM

Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog Soundtrack

Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends--Colplay

Narrow Stairs--Death Cab for Cutie

We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things--Jason Mraz

Everything that Happens will Happen Today--Brian Eno & David Byrne

I'm a geek, what can I say?

Posted by: dammitjanet at January 14, 2009 2:31 PM

Nine Inch Nails - The Slip
Portishead - Third
Ben Folds - Way To Normal

I bought many more albums this year, but those are the only ones that leap to mind that were actually released this year that I found to be great. I'm sure I'm forgetting something obscure that I should mention that y'all haven't heard of (contrary to these), but I'm at work and shouldn't be pulling out my laptop and digging out the iTunes at the moment. I'm going senile.

Posted by: DarthCorleone at January 14, 2009 2:31 PM

Common - Universal Mind Control
Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
The Submarines - Honeysuckle Weeks
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Priscilla Ahn - A Good Day

Posted by: Nkem at January 14, 2009 2:32 PM

Neon Neon - Stainless Style

Nick Cave & The Bad Sees - Dig, Lazarus, Dig

Only new releases I bought in '08.

Posted by: Lisa S at January 14, 2009 2:32 PM

1. The Raconteurs - Consoler of the Lonely ...made me really start to love Jack White and re-examine my prior dismissal of the White Stripes
2. The Virgins - The Virgins...oh so danceable and fun
3. Sigur Ros - Med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalaust...the first two tracks especially are just really happy and fantastic
4. Ryan Adams & the Cardinals - Cardinology...I used to love Ryan Adams but he became so prolific a few years back I just could not keep up. He won me back with this album.
5. My favorite discovery of 2008 - the Avett Brothers...I love banjos.

Posted by: ami at January 14, 2009 2:32 PM

I'm sad that I know that I don't have kids, because I'm an avid sperm bank donater. Since none of the 'lil buddies' took, I in turn know that I'm sterile.

Posted by: ernesto at January 14, 2009 2:33 PM

Not the best year, but:

Diamond Hoo Ha - Supergrass

Go Away White - Bauhaus

Momofuku - Elvis Costello & the Attractions

In Ghost Colours - Cut Copy

And though not new material, but you can't go wrong: Greatest Hits - Morrissey

Posted by: Cindy at January 14, 2009 2:34 PM

I hardly ever listen to new music, but I'll 4th Dr. Horrible and chip in selected portions of Stephen Colbert's Christmas Special (specifically Little Dealer Boy & Nutmeg & There Are Much Worse Things to Believe In).

Me? Oh, I just have a nice rack.

I'd hate to have to just take your word for it, Sofi, although the way Optimus worships you it just might be true. Shadows, have you been to Chile recently? Anything to contribute?

Posted by: lordhelmet at January 14, 2009 2:35 PM

Oooh, I forgot about MGMT! Somehow, even though I have "Kids" as one of the songs on my MySpace...

Shut up. Yes, I have a MySpace, and no, it's not for ironic purposes. I even tried to friend Pajiba but apparently no one is operating the Pajiba MySpace anymore.

And now "Kids" is going to be in my head again all day. Damn catchy song...

Posted by: Snath at January 14, 2009 2:36 PM

And I suppose it would be a sperm bank donor, not a donater. Jeeze.

Posted by: ernesto at January 14, 2009 2:37 PM

I bought three albums this year: Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Kings of Leon's Only by the Night, and Death Cab's Narrow Stairs.

I don't pay much attention to music, and I really wish I did. It's just so daunting to find new bands.

Posted by: Julie at January 14, 2009 2:37 PM

I bought only two, and two were all I bought.


Bach Violin Concertos & Gubaidulina 'In Tempus Praesens' - Anne-Sophie Mutter
Indestructible - Disturbed

Posted by: Rykker at January 14, 2009 2:38 PM

ernesto and stipe42, stop that right now! You're making me giggle in my cubicle, and I don't want to explain to my co-workers why!

(oh, and high-five on the not having kids, ernesto. They're great, but I don't love the idea of having to care for one 24-7)

Posted by: meaux at January 14, 2009 2:39 PM

Julie, that's why we're here.

Posted by: TK at January 14, 2009 2:39 PM

I hadn't realized that five new albums had even been released last year.

Posted by: New Music Sux at January 14, 2009 2:39 PM

Santogold - Santogold

Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold

The Black Keys - Attack and Release

Flight of the Conchords - Flight of the Conchords

Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst

Dr. Horrible's Singalong Blog

Common - Universal Mind Control

TV on the Radio - Dear Science

Kaiser Chiefs - Off with Their Heads

Posted by: jM at January 14, 2009 2:40 PM

2008 wasn't a big new music buying year for me. But of the ones I got:

1. Accelerate REM-Their last few albums sucked and I had almost given up on them.
2. Consolers of the Lonely The Raconteurs
3. Hard Candy Madonna-Little Pink rocks out to this one. In Casa Pink we heart dancy music
4. Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack

Shoot. Almost had five. I really need to get the new Ben Folds.

Posted by: Alabamapink at January 14, 2009 2:41 PM

I can't think of one damn Heavy Metal cd that was good this year. The only one that I listened to was Wolves In The Throne Room, but I am pretty sure that was from 07'

Anyways, TV On The Radio, Fleet Foxes, Deerhunter, Fucked Up and Crystal Castles made my fave CDs of the year.

Best concert was Spiritualized at the 930.

Posted by: imk at January 14, 2009 2:42 PM

meaux-

It's not that I'd mind caring for a little one 24/7. I just don't have enough closet space to squeeze a bay-bay and still get the door shut.

Posted by: ernesto at January 14, 2009 2:42 PM

*snicker, snicker* No really, cut it out, ernesto! My cube neighbours are pretty humourless about the joys of the miracle of babies. The jokes would not be well received....

Posted by: meaux at January 14, 2009 2:46 PM

ami, I should send you some stuff from my boyfriend's family's band then. You'd love it!!! Of course, I'm predjudiced, but they are great!!

Posted by: dammitjanet at January 14, 2009 2:47 PM

Oh, good call jM... I'd forgotten that FotC was released this year!

Posted by: Gnaius at January 14, 2009 2:48 PM

imk:

Alestorm - Captain Morgan's Revenge

So. Awesome.

Posted by: Snath at January 14, 2009 2:49 PM

I do plan on using the Pajiba reviews as references the next time I buy some albums, TK...I love to buy cd's I've only heard of through word of mouth and never listened to, it's always worked out for me. That's how I became a fan of Pavement, Arcade Fire, Wilco, Kings of Leon, Cowboy Junkies, etc etc. I love that moment of anticipation before you hit play after popping in a new cd.

Posted by: Julie at January 14, 2009 2:50 PM

Godtopus, I suck. I can't believe I haven't even heard that Death Cab album yet. For shame.

Posted by: Sean at January 14, 2009 2:51 PM

In an office of ten people, three of my coworkers have had babies in the last 6 months - one woman had twins. My counterpart in the office next to mine is actually breastfeeding in our sample room as I'm typing this. Totally understand the humorless coworkers angle, which is probably why I joke about shoving babies in closets. I think on a previous thread I actually made a comment about shooting a baby to test the absorbancy of the Pajibaby bibs. Didn't realize I had so much pent up passive-aggression.

Posted by: ernesto at January 14, 2009 2:54 PM

Gnaius, I listen to it all the time, and I'm nowhere near tired of it.

Posted by: jM at January 14, 2009 2:55 PM

Speaking of passive-aggression,

WHERE'S MY WBNS SHIRT, ERNESTO????!?!?!?!

Teeheehee. It hasn't been that long, I know. I just don't want to do laundry.

Zing!

Posted by: Snath at January 14, 2009 2:56 PM

Girl Talk Feed the Animals
DeVotchKa A Mad and Faithful Telling
Gutter Twins Saturnalia
Bon Iver For Emma, Forever Ago
Amanda Palmer Who Killed Amanda Palmer

Posted by: MG at January 14, 2009 2:59 PM

My partner at Overproof is going through orders right now. There's been some foul-ups recently. - Fed-Ex sucks it - their OH warehouse was flooded out and didn't tell us until a week after it happened. The e-merchant we use for orders screwed up addresses by spitting them out in wrong columns. It's a shit-storm right now. If anyone reading this is having issue, email me. We'll sort it out.

Posted by: ernesto at January 14, 2009 3:00 PM

No issue here, I honestly don't know how long it's supposed to take. I just want it because I am greedy. I'm prepared to wait as long as it takes.

Posted by: Snath at January 14, 2009 3:02 PM

The Slip - Nine Inch Nails
Float - Flogging Molly
Who Killed Amanda Palmer - Amanda Palmer
Dr. Horrible's Singalong Blog

Posted by: cinnabarri girl at January 14, 2009 3:03 PM

Okey-doke. I won't have to cane the under-age illegals we have sewing the shirts together then. Damn it.

Posted by: ermesto at January 14, 2009 3:04 PM

I'm sad that I know that I don't have kids, because I'm an avid sperm bank donater. Since none of the 'lil buddies' took, I in turn know that I'm sterile.

It doesn't necessarily mean you're sterile:

1. They could have improperly froze your donation (probably out of jealousy at the sight of the immense volume)

2. It's possible that your boys are feisty and it was just all the target uteruses (uteri?) that were infertile.

3. It's also possible that not a single woman chose your sperm for implantation. Not even when they put it on year end clearance.

Posted by: stipe42 at January 14, 2009 3:04 PM

shooting a baby to test the absorbancy of the Pajibaby bibs

*HAHAHAHAHAheeheehee*

That's mean, ernesto....

Posted by: meaux at January 14, 2009 3:07 PM

Or, it could just be that I filled the dishes with a mixture of Malt-O-Meal and Vaseline Intensive Care instead of an actual "sample". Yep. I'm guessing that's it.

Oh, and the Jerk-Store called...

Posted by: ernesto at January 14, 2009 3:07 PM

1. A Larum--Johnny Flynn
2. Receivers--Parts & Labor
3. Tokyo Police Club--Elephant Shell
4. Dillinger Four--Civil War
5. Mary Shelley Overdrive--Mary Shelley Overdrive

Posted by: frumpiefox at January 14, 2009 3:07 PM

Non metal:

Brian Eno & David Byrne: Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
Coldplay: Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
Ra Ra Riot: The Rhumb Line
The Fireman: Electric Arguments

Metal(ish):

Amon Amarth: Twilight of the Thunder God
Ayreon: 01011001
Brave: Monuments
Oceans of Sadness: The Arrogance of Ignorance
Opeth: Watershed
Warrel Dane: Praises to the War Machine

Posted by: JC at January 14, 2009 3:10 PM

AC/DC Black Ice - for balls out rockin' and rollin'

TV on the Radio Dear Science - for noodling about to

I will be AC/DC on their current tour if I say any more my head will explode all over my computer.... can not process the excite...

Posted by: catag at January 14, 2009 3:11 PM

5. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
4. Portishead - Third
3. Sam Roberts - Love At The End Of The World
2. TV On The Radio - Dear Science
1. Santogold - Santogold

With Honourable Mentions...
Erykah Badu - New Amerykah: Part 1 (4th World War)
Nine Inch Nails - The Slip
Robyn - Robyn
Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold
Amanda Palmer - Who Killed Amanda Palmer?

There are so many more I wish I could put up here, but I'm limiting myself here.

Posted by: Jeremy Feist at January 14, 2009 3:16 PM

Or, it could just be that I filled the dishes with a mixture of Malt-O-Meal and Vaseline Intensive Care instead of an actual "sample". Yep. I'm guessing that's it.

Hey, that means your Dane Cook's dad!

Oh, and the Jerk-Store called...

Excellent, my Jamaican rub must be ready for pick up.

Posted by: stipe42 at January 14, 2009 3:16 PM

Fall Out Boy, Foile a Deux
The Gaslight Anthem, The '59 Sound
The Hold Steady, Stay Positive
Panic at the Disco, Pretty. Odd.
Forgive Durden, Razia's Shadow: A Musical

I dunno, though, there were albums released outside of 2008 that I fell in love with, like Food & Liquor (Lupe Fiasco) & Trampoline (Steel Train).

Posted by: telis at January 14, 2009 3:19 PM

"Hey, that means your Dane Cook's dad!"

Please, don't insult Malt-O-Meal that way.

Posted by: ernesto at January 14, 2009 3:22 PM

I spent most of this year still listening to records in 2007, hopefully because it was a better year for music and not because I'm getting old and unhip. Anyway:

1). Fleet Foxes- s/t. I think I listened to this album on a loop for the entire summer and early fall.
2). Bon Iver- For Emma, Forever Ago. This album reminds me of the feeling of being inside a warm house when there is a blizzard outside.
3). Hot Chip- Made in the Dark.
4). Cut Copy- In Ghost Colours. It was my most played spring album, I really still like "So Haunted" and "Strangers in the Wind."
5). Vampire Weekend- s/t. I'm hoping that VW has become so hated, that I can pass off my love for their album as irony. But really its fun and pretty good album.

Posted by: heather at January 14, 2009 3:23 PM

Kings of Leon - Only By The Night
N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds
Clutch - Full Fathom Five
The Bakerton Group - The Bakerton Group
KRS-One - Maximum Strength 2008

...and boo...portishead makes me want to lick you.

Posted by: PissBoy at January 14, 2009 3:30 PM

...and boo...portishead makes me want to lick you

That's why I love you, PissBoy. Clutch makes me want to do a keg stand, run through the pit, and sit on your face all at once.

my other four picks (after my Portishead pick at number one):

5. MGMT, Oracular Spectacular
4. Neon Neon, Stainless Style
3. Santogold, Santogold
2. Erykah Badu,New Amerykah: Part 1 (4th World War)

Posted by: boo at January 14, 2009 4:06 PM

Of course Sigur Ros' new album Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust. Anything by them is pretty much godly in my book.
Though Jukebox is not THE best Cat Power album to date, it's nice to see her putting out new music, not to mention coming around my neck of the woods for a concert. Kings of Leon fall under the category of Oh yeah! I need to get back into them! Because I bought Aha Shake Heartbreak way back yonder and was a fan. Two albums later and I totally forgot how good they were.
Vampire Weekend I am surprised is so popular at Pajiba. I was afraid I would be mocked for liking them! And of course TV on the Radio's Dear Science is great.
But last but not least: Acid Tongue by Jenny Lewis!

Posted by: Kamikaze Feminist at January 14, 2009 4:07 PM

Also, PissBoy, that Bakerton Group album is fantastic. :) Good times at the Orange Peel for that one.

Posted by: boo at January 14, 2009 4:09 PM

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Right Away, Great Captain! - The Eventually Home
Dead Confederate - Wrecking Ball
Sam Sparro - Sam Sparro
We Are Scientists - Brain Thrust Mastery

Posted by: Jess at January 14, 2009 4:11 PM

Panic at the Disco - Pretty. Odd.
Alanis Morissette - Flavors of Entanglement
Alkaline Trio - Agony & Irony
The Offspring - Rise & Fall, Rage & Grace
O.A.R. -All Sides

But it was a pretty crappy year for music. My top 5 is admittedly weak.

Since everyone else has said it, I'll also throw in "Dr. Horrible", but am I the only one listening to the Commentary musical more than the actual thing? Thank God for torrents.

Posted by: TylerDFC at January 14, 2009 4:23 PM

TV on the Radio - Dear Science
The Black Keys - Attack and Release
Lupe Fiasco - The Cool
Beck - Modern Guilt

Those are the only 2008 albums I can remember buying/downloading that I can listen to the whole way through and not skip a track (Ben Folds) or wonder what the hell happened to the artist (Common).

P.S. Sorry I didn't mention any obscure bands that a total of 10 guys with neckbeards and black frame glasses know of.

P.P.S. I love Ben Folds and Common, but Way to Normal was weak and Universal Mind Control...well, I'm still trying to convince myself that the whole thing is Common playing a joke on us.

Posted by: Dave at January 14, 2009 4:37 PM

Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold

Kardinal Offishall - Not 4 Sale

Britney Spears - Circus

The Jonas Brothers - A Little Bit Longer

Mylie Cyrus - Breakout

Posted by: admin at January 14, 2009 4:40 PM

Hmmm, one of these things is not like the others.

Posted by: jM at January 14, 2009 4:43 PM

I haven't bought a CD in aaaaages...not out of musical snobbery by any means, but I honestly...my university is in a weird little bubble so when you're there you're removed from modern music(film and tv is fine but music does not make it in)
Even now i've graduated i just...i dont listen to radio or watch the music channels, the only single i know thats been released recently was sung by a friend...im reading all your lists and going '....um?'
I need to get back in touch.

Posted by: nadine at January 14, 2009 4:48 PM

I usually start listening to new music at the end of the year when the best of lists come out-the library is great for taking an album on a trial run to see if I NEED to own it or not. So I haven't heard a lot from this year yet, but I did really like:
1. TV on the Radio-Dear Science
2. She & Him-Vol. 1
3. Wolf Parade-At Mt. Zoomer

I want to be in love with Fleet Foxes so badly, but they just don't hold my attention.

Posted by: sleater at January 14, 2009 5:00 PM

Low vs. Diamond - "Self-titled"
The Raveonettes - "Lust Lust lust"
Grand Archives - "Self-titled"
Darker My Love - "2"
British Sea Power - "So You Like Rock Music?"

I wish had more time at work right now to read and comment on peoples' choices. A quick scan reveals them all to be interesting.

Posted by: JapJay at January 14, 2009 5:12 PM

*blows a big raspberry*

That's to all you over-achievers (I'm looking at you, Eleanor and jM) who feel like you have to list ALL of your favorite albums of 2008. There are rules, dammit, and rules are meant to be followed!!! And that goes for those of you who had to list your honorable mentions too!!!

Posted by: jimbob at January 14, 2009 5:17 PM

Dustin, I love you so hard for mentioning Tennessee Pusher! I bought it with my Christmas money and I've been playing it pretty much non-stop ever since. I think my top 5 will just miss it out, though:

1. Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes
2. Erykah Badu: New Amerykah Part 1 (4th World War)
3. Lupe Fiasco: The Cool
4. TV On The Radio: Dear Science
5. Santogold: Santogold

(Why do I feel like I've done this before?)

Posted by: Caspar at January 14, 2009 5:21 PM

Whoops! And you, TK.

Posted by: Caspar at January 14, 2009 5:23 PM

1) Why? - Alopecia
2) TV on the Radio - Dear Science
3) In Bruges Soundtrack
4) Murder By Death - Red of Tooth and Claw
5) Beck - Modern Guilt

Posted by: Jams at January 14, 2009 5:24 PM

1(tie) Futurians/ Faktory
Kasai Allstars/ In the 7th moon...
3.Oneida/ Preteen Weaponry
4. Coil/ Ape of Naples
5. AFCGT (A-Frames Climax Golden Twins)

I had a lot more on my best of list but on further review it turned out a lot of the "newer" stuff I've gotten into recently was actually released in '06 or '07. Oh, well, I'm 37 and I don't get out that much anymore.

Posted by: Laughner at January 14, 2009 5:26 PM

WAITWAITWAIT

Let's bump Beck down to six and squeeze in Flight of the Conchords - s/t.

Any album that has your mother asking "What IS this?" every single time it's on is probably on to something.

Posted by: Jams at January 14, 2009 5:31 PM

The Dodos ~ Visiter
Portishead ~ Third
Fleet Foxes ~ Fleet Foxes
Eugene McGuinness ~ Eugene McGuinness
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds ~ Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!

Posted by: Squrrox at January 14, 2009 5:36 PM

Ha, jimbob, don't mistake me for an over-achiever. I'm just willfully disobedient and totally glossed over the five only rule. I think a spanking's called for.

Posted by: jM at January 14, 2009 5:40 PM

5) For Emma, Forever Ago: Bon Iver (seeing a trend here...)
4) Saturdays = Youth: M83
3) Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes
2) Gnarls Barkley: The Odd Couple
1) GNARLS BARKLEY: THE MOTHERF*CKING ODD COUPLE! DON'T MAKE ME GET KANYE WEST ABOUT MY LOVE FOR GNARLS BARKLEY... AND CAPS!!!! WHY DIDN'T THEY GET MORE GRAMMY NOMS?!! SQUID BRAINS!!! (Kanye West impression over ) But seriously, what the hell?

Posted by: Porkchop at January 14, 2009 5:45 PM

I'm only counting albums where I love every song on them.

Girl Talk-Feed the Animals
Santogold-s/t
Vampire Weekend-s/t
Beach House-Devotion
Land of Talk-Some Are Lakes

Hon. mention, because Rhapsody's telling me I've listened to this album more than the others here, but it's been a while: Wolf Parade-At Mount Zoomer

Posted by: Sabrina at January 14, 2009 5:46 PM

Pink - Funhouse

The only new CD I bought last year. I think this number will double in '09.

Posted by: Gabs at January 14, 2009 5:53 PM

Hey! I totally have that Flogging Molly album! I have new music!

Does it still count if I like Dropkick Murphys better?

Posted by: Anna von Beaverplatz at January 14, 2009 6:06 PM

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds -- Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!

I know I bought other things last year, but this album was outstanding. I can't stop listening to it.

Posted by: Slay Belle at January 14, 2009 6:12 PM

Nada Surf - Lucky
Frightened Rabbit - Midnight Organ Fight
Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Annuals - Such Fun
The Little Ones - Morning Tide

Posted by: Jason at January 14, 2009 6:14 PM

1) Old Man Leudecke - Proof of Love
2) My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
3) Jill Barber - Chances
4) Martha Wainwright - I Know You're Married but I've Got Feelings Too
5) Draw: Kings of Leon - Only By The Night and Bob Dylan - Tell Tale Signs

Posted by: Agente Provocatrice at January 14, 2009 6:26 PM

TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Bon Iver - For Emma
Jenny Lewis- Acid Tongue
Radiohead - In Rainbows (Released Jan. 1 2008 in North America)

aaaand...ermmm...Duffy? I didn't buy any other albums from '08 so I guess she'll have to do.

Posted by: AM at January 14, 2009 6:33 PM

Death Cab - Narrow Stairs
Nine Inch Nails - The Slip
Alanis Morissette - Flavors of Entanglement
Adele - 19
Flogging Molly - Float

Posted by: Melody at January 14, 2009 6:37 PM

Ok, I'll chime in, although most of mine weren't released '08, because I'm all eclectic and shit.

Jakob Dylan - Seeing Things
Flogging Molly - Float
Leonard Cohen - The Future (amongst a couple of others)
Colin Hay - Going Somewhere (Maggie is a bloody incredible song)
Morrissey - Greatest Hits (I missed the eighties and Mrs. Stipe42 forced me to listen to enough of Morrissey to prove that not all of his music sounds like that insipid Charmed theme)

Posted by: stipe42 at January 14, 2009 6:43 PM

1. Jenny Lewis, Acid Tongue: far and away my favorite. I have listened to it on repeat for months now.

2. Okkerville River, The Stand Ins
3. Ra Ra Riot, The Rhumb Line
4. Hold Steady, Stay Positive
5. Meh.

Posted by: The Eeees at January 14, 2009 6:56 PM

1. bon iver- for emma, forever ago
2. the kills- middnight boom
3. jenny lewis- acid tongue
4. fleet foxes- self-titled
5. beck- modern guilt

Posted by: ch-loe at January 14, 2009 6:58 PM

1. Jenny Lewis, Acid Tongue: far and away my favorite. I have listened to it on repeat for months now.

2. Okkerville River, The Stand Ins
3. Ra Ra Riot, The Rhumb Line
4. Hold Steady, Stay Positive
5. Meh.

Posted by: The Eeees at January 14, 2009 7:19 PM

1. Cut Copy: In Ghost Colours
2. De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig: De Machine
3. Fuck Buttons: Street Horrrsing
4. Hot Chip: Made In The Dark
5. Elbow: The Seldom Seen Kid

Posted by: Adere at January 14, 2009 7:30 PM

The Slip- Nine Inch Nails
Dear Science- TV On The Radio
Ghosts I-IV- Nine Inch Nails
A Hundred Million Suns- Snow Patrol
Flight of the Conchords-

But mostly I just discovered old music that was new to me.

Posted by: lux at January 14, 2009 7:59 PM

1) Momofuku - Elvis Costello
2) Acid Tongue - Jenny Lewis
3) Fate - Dr. Dog
4) Vol. 1 - She & Him
5) Conor Oberst (self-titled)

Posted by: SkortBrun at January 14, 2009 8:15 PM

1. Frightened Rabbits - Midnight Organ Fight

2. No Age - Nouns

3. Local H - 12 Angry Months

4. Secret Machines - Secret Machines

5. The Black Keys - Attack & Release

There were a lot of disappointing mediocrities from old favorites (Hold Steady, Flogging Molly, Kings of Leon and The Raconteurs). Really starting to get into WHY? though

Best Concert: Swell Season @ Chicago Theatre

Posted by: Brendan at January 14, 2009 8:32 PM

Clutch makes me want to do a keg stand, run through the pit, and sit on your face all at once.

...why couldn't you have been with me on Saturday night then. Saw them up in Lancaster, PA. Just like always...t'was the balls.

Posted by: PissBoy at January 14, 2009 10:05 PM

1. bon iver
2. sigur ros
3. the raconteurs
4. fleet foxes
5. vampire weekend

Posted by: dg at January 14, 2009 11:25 PM

I only purchased four albums this year - I'm definitely the kind of person who listens to music for primarily nostalgic reasons. New stuff hardly ever grabs me. But anyhooters:

1) Portishead - Third
2) Kanye West - 808s . . .
3) The Soul's Release - Somewhere Sometime
4) Bloc Party - Intimacy

Posted by: BizzyBees at January 14, 2009 11:57 PM

The Kills - Midnight Boom
Santogold - s/t
The Raveonettes - Lust, Lust, Lust
M83 - Saturdays = Youth
Bon Iver - For Emma, Long Ago

Posted by: Mattfactor at January 15, 2009 12:08 AM

85 Flood: "Toolshed Shangri-La"
FOX Japan: "Hell"
Owen Davis: "The Cigar Monologues"
Big Right Hand: "Greatest Hits"
And, of course:
DBTs: "Brighter Than Creation's Dark"

Posted by: bucdaddy at January 15, 2009 1:24 AM

Narrow Stairs - Death Cab For Cutie
The Slip - Nine Inch Nails
We Started Nothing - The Ting Tings
The Glass Passenger - Jack's Mannequin
Agony & Irony - Alkaline Trio

Posted by: clarity at January 15, 2009 4:57 AM

2008 was a really boring year in terms of music for me.

Sarah Bereilles - Little Voice - it wasn't released until 2008 here, so it still counts.
Kanye West - 808s & Heartbeat (~ although it barely really counts as a full Kanye album)
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular - I'm not that big of a fan, but I'm so addicted to Electric Feel.

I think there were also some good soundtracks released last year too.

Posted by: Lydia at January 15, 2009 6:32 AM

Albums? What, are we in 1989?

I don't understand this comment diversion.

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at January 15, 2009 6:44 AM

Mother Mother - O My Heart

Seriously, if you have yet to hear this album, do it and do it now. Although don't be angry at me for ruining everything else you're listening to - I went through a period of music depression after a month of this because nothing sounded quite as good.

Also, Laura Marling's Alas I Cannot Swim is the album I wish I'd written.

Posted by: Amandarin at January 15, 2009 9:44 AM

Natalie Portman's Shaved Head - Glistening Pleasure
Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
Does it Offend You, Yeah - You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into
NiN - The Slip

Posted by: erin at January 15, 2009 10:07 AM

Daily lurker...first time poster

The Black Keys - Attack & Release
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
Clutch (Hometown Favorites) - Full Fathom 5
OCMS - Tennessee Pusher
Bob Dylan - Tell Tale Signs

Phew. That wasn't so bad.

Posted by: The Bach at January 15, 2009 11:50 AM

Top 5 Favorites:
1. Gnarls Barkley, "The Odd Couple"
2. Fleet Foxes, "Fleet Foxes"
3. Kings of Leon, "Only By The Night"
4. Colin Meloy, "Sings! Live"
5. Of Montreal, "Skeletal Lamping"

Top 5 Best:
1. Of Montreal, "Skeletal Lamping"
2. The Fireman, "Electric Arguments"
3. Fleet Foxes, "Fleet Foxes"
4. My Morning Jacket, "Evil Urges"
5. Sigur Ros, "Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust"

Posted by: ChristianH at January 15, 2009 12:36 PM

From my FB/Myspace blog:
Albums (.i.e cds I actually made an effort to buy)

1. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours. They're one of my fave bands, so not too surprising they're my number one pick.

Key Tracks: "Out there on the Ice", "Far Away", and "Unforgettable Season"

2. Friendly Fires - Friendly Fires. This is my 2008 new music discovery. I'd listened to their cover of "Your Love" for over a year. Then, they got sorta lost in the noise. On a whim, I went to see them open up for The Virgins. Needless to say, I was blown away. These guys have tight, funky and dance-electric set that kept me coming back for more (4x so)!

Key Tracks: "Jump in the Pool", "Paris", and "White Diamonds".

3. The Presets - Apocalypso. More musical genius from down under! My birthday gift to my best friend was tix to their gig at the Glasshouse. After two songs, she was an instant fan. These guys are professional electronic music artists. This album is techno/electro perfection. They pump you up from start to finish. Forget Justice, it's all about these synth heroes.

Key Tracks: "My People", "A New Sky", "Kicking and Screaming"


4. Does it Offend You, Yeah? - You Have No Idea... These fellas got me excited for dance rock again. Remember that first time you heard "Banquet", but had no idea who sung that song, but you were determined to find out. That's how it was with me and DIOYY. And then I heard "Dawn of the Dead". Game, set, match. Fan for life.

Key Tracks: "Dawn of the Dead", "Let's Make Out", "We Are Rockstars"

5. Santogold - Santogold. I waited for this album with baited breath. See this girl in concert and you'll find out quick she's no M.I.A. imitator. She's the real deal. She'll make you her dance slave and be your electronic queen. For real, son.

Key Tracks: "Creator", "L.E.S. Artistes", "You'll Find a Way"


6. M83- Saturdays=Youth. I was always a bit "meh" about M83. Thought it was too instrumental. Saturdays = Youth changed my tune with a quickness. Mr. Gonzales reminds you that singles are good, but albums are better. It's a cohesive blend of gentle, synth melodies and distortion that are searching for memories of days gone by.

Key Tracks: "We Own the Sky", "Kim & Jessie"

7. Ladyhawke - Ladyhawke
8. TV on the Radio - Dear Science
9. The Teenagers - Reality Check
10. Lykke Li - Youth Novels EP

Honorable Mentions: Jamie Lidell - JIM, Hot Chip - Made in the Dark, Bloc Party - Intimacy, Hercules & Love Affair

Posted by: Teresa at January 15, 2009 6:04 PM

Sorry for long post, just extremely passionate about music!

FYI: MGMT came out in October 2008. Not a big deal, since those lads blew the fuck up in 2008.

Oh, and I'm loving all this Cut Copy love. I saw them 5 times last year!!!! But I'm a concert junkie, i.e a sucker who buys tickets for shows way too early in advance.

Posted by: Teresa at January 15, 2009 6:15 PM

I mean October 2007! not 2008. Thus, making MGMT ineligible.

Posted by: Teresa at January 15, 2009 6:22 PM

There was music in 2008? Hell if I heard any.

Posted by: Lucas at January 15, 2009 6:39 PM

Best album of last year?

New Wave...Against Me.

No contest. Argue with me if you want to but..if you listen to the whole disc you'll either say yeah...or being the biggest pussy on earth, tuck your nads back under your anus.

Posted by: Cleveland at January 15, 2009 11:43 PM